As many Brits begin counting down the days until their well-deserved holiday abroad this summer, the last thing they need is any additional stress. For many homeowners, this excitement can be tarnished by the underlying worry that their home may not be safe during their time away.
A vacant property can, unfortunately, present an appealing opportunity for burglars. However, with some proactive planning and smart security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk and enjoy your vacation with genuine peace of mind. Now, home security expert Jason Johnson at HomeHow.co.uk has shared some tips on how to ensure your home remains safe and secure when you go away.
One of the most important things you can do to prevent burglars is to keep all of your valuables out of sight, Mr Johnson explained.
Avoid displaying any expensive electronics, jewellery, or prized possessions in view through your windows. Consider investing in some handy storage solutions so that you can keep things out of sight. A safe can be very helpful for storing particularly important or expensive goods.
Do not leave items like tablets, laptops, and other portable electronics in plain sight. Instead, you should lock these away whenever they are not in use.
Other advice Mr Johnson shared includes making your home look occupied. Consider investing in smart plugs or simple timers for your internal lights and set them to come off and on at various times throughout the day and night, mimicking the normal occupancy patterns.
A radio playing softly can also give the impression that someone is home.
An obvious build-up of mail or packages through the letterbox is a clear sign that nobody is home. Arrange for a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your post each day. If you receive regular deliveries, cancel these temporarily during your trip. If you have a second car, leave it parked on the driveway. If you are going away in your only vehicle, ask a neighbour if they will park on your drive occasionally.